The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation has officially merged with the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation to form a single entity, a new look and a joint venture in the mission to inform, educate and protect the water quality of two eastern North Carolina river basins enjoyed by many.

“We think as a combined entity, we will be able to have more influence and more impact in terms of public opinion over a broader geography, said PTRF executive director Harrison Marks. “The problems on both rivers are quite similar.”

The new organization combines the board of directors of each, now numbering 22, as opposed to PTRF’s 12 and Neuse River Foundation’s 10. As board members travel from as far away as Raleigh and Oriental, tonight’s first board meeting will be held in Goldsboro.

“We brainstormed some names, got some suggestions from others and ultimately, the board settled on the name,” Marks said. “We want rivers that are in good shape, so they’re sound, and of good quality.”

Both organizations have been working to protect the Neuse and Pamlico-Tar rivers for decades — the Neuse River Foundation was founded in 1980, PTRF in 1981. Both will continue with very full schedules, Marks said, adding that the merger gives the previous separate organizations a better chance to share ideas. For example, PTRF’s fishing clinics have been extremely popular — in the future, local staff just may be offering those clinics in New Bern, as well. While PTRF has been active in carving out the Tar-Pamlico water trail to provide better access to the river for kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders, there is the opportunity to do the same on the Neuse.

“I think we’ll just share and learn as we move forward,” Marks said.

Marks said the response to the merger has been positive.

“We got good input from both Neuse and PTRF members. There were a few cautions, people saying ‘Don’t lose sight of things on my river,’” he said. “The further we progressed, the people we’ve heard from are the people who actually think it’s a great idea.”

Marks said PTRF’s annual oyster roast, a popular event and the organization’s main fundraiser each year, will go on as usual this fall.